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Former Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch faces two misdemeanor charges after being arrested in Athens early Sunday. The star wide receiver’s arrest comes just days before he is set to be a second-round pick in this week’s NFL Draft.
Branch, who turned 22 last month, was arrested by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail just before 1:30 a.m. on two felony counts.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates with wide receiver Colbie Young after scoring a touchdown during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 1, 2026. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. (IMAGINE)
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The former Bulldogs star was charged with obstructing public sidewalks/streets – loitering and obstructing a law enforcement officer. He was released after more than two hours in jail after posting $39 bail.
ESPN reported that Branch attended Georgia’s spring game on Saturday. His brother, Zion Branch, is a safety for the team after they moved there in 2025.
Branch transferred after two seasons to Southern California and immediately became quarterback Gunner Stockton’s favorite target. He finished the season with a team-high 811 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch runs during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
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In January, he announced his intention to declare for the draft.
“DAWG NATION, thank you for your unwavering support. You have welcomed me with open arms. Having the opportunity to play between the hedges and win the SEC Championship is a story that only God could have written, and for that, I am forever grateful,” he wrote in a statement shared on social media.
Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Zachariah Branch celebrates after a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on November 28, 2025. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
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Branch’s status as a projected second-round pick was bolstered after an impressive performance at the combine, where he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash.
